Sikhumbuzo Moyo
TSHOLOTSHO residents, traditional leaders and civic leaders have joined forces to establish a community radio station aimed at bridging the information gap in the remote Matabeleland North district, with the project now awaiting regulatory approval.
The proposed station, to be known as Zhowane FM, is expected to promote community development, preserve cultural heritage, support education, showcase local talent and provide farmers with vital agricultural information.
Inaugural board chairperson and Tsholotsho High School headmaster, Mr Sicelo Dube, said the initiative was conceived through collaboration between the District Development Coordinator (DDC), traditional leaders and community members who recognised the need for a local broadcasting platform.
“The idea came from the DDC, traditional leaders and members of the community who felt that Tsholotsho needs its own community radio station to address the information gap and give residents a platform to discuss issues affecting their lives,” said Mr Dube.
He said the community had since established a board and submitted an application to the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) for approval to set up the station.
“We have submitted our application to BAZ, and officials from the authority have already visited Tsholotsho and met with the board. We have also identified a site for the proposed station, and we are now waiting for approval before we can begin broadcasting,” he said.
Mr Dube said the station would prioritise programmes that respond to the needs of local communities while promoting the district’s cultural identity.
“We want Zhowane FM to be a community-driven station that speaks to the needs of the people of
Tsholotsho. It should be a platform where residents can discuss development issues, share information and contribute ideas on how to improve their communities,” he said.
He said the station would also play a role in preserving local traditions and passing cultural knowledge to younger generations through folklore, traditional dance, drama and music.
“Our culture is important, and we want to use the radio station to teach young people about our customs and traditions. Through folklore, music, drama and traditional dance, we hope to promote the revival and preservation of our cultural practices,” said Mr Dube.
He said Zhowane FM would also provide opportunities for local musicians and other creatives to showcase their work, helping them reach audiences beyond their immediate communities.
Education is another key area the station intends to support, with plans to broadcast lessons for schoolchildren as an additional learning resource.
“We also want to support education by providing programmes that can help learners. Radio can be an important platform for sharing educational content and reaching children who may not always have access to additional learning resources,” he said.
Mr Dube said the station would also broadcast agricultural programmes aimed at equipping farmers with information on good farming practices, alongside entertainment and other development-focused content.
